Apple is one of the most important fruits in China and around 3.3 million ha are currently under apple cultivation, accounting for over half the apple cultivation area in the world. Apple is one of the most important economic trees in the mountains ofChina. Although apple yield in Sichuan Province accounts for only 3-5% of the country's production, it has been a very important source of livelihood for people in the apple cultivation areas, mainly the Hengduan Mountains, where Maoxian County accountsfor 18% of the province's apple croparea and 16% of its yield. Until the mid-1990s apple farmers in Maoxian had benefited considerably from converting cereal crop lands to apple farming, but since then have been suffering from low prices and reduced incomes. This paper will analyse the development process, identify existing problems of apple cultivation in Maoxian, and expound its role in the rural economy and possible ways to maximise its benefits.
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